Periodontal Treatment in Oakland, CA
Periodontitis is inflammation of the gums. At Franklin Dental Care in California, we always prefer to treat periodontal disease before it starts to lead to the breakdown of the gums and jawbones. Why is this important? Because the jawbones and gums hold teeth in place and if they’re damaged, then teeth will start to suffer too.
At Franklin Dental Care, we have several ways to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Our knowledge, experience, and equipment are all available to help you achieve better oral health.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
The diagnosis of periodontal disease requires a few steps. It’s not as simple as looking at your teeth and saying that you have periodontitis. First, our in-house periodontist Dr. Tabitha Chen will need to ask a few questions to identify the risk factors that make you more vulnerable to periodontitis, like smoking.
Dr. Chen will then examine your mouth. The primary focus will be on the buildup of plaque and tartar as well as areas of easy bleeding. Measuring the pocket depth between your gums and teeth is also a valuable part of the exam.
X-rays of your teeth may be required to assess the condition of your jawbones.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
The treatment of periodontal disease depends on the severity. Mild cases can be treated with proper cleaning and antibiotics. The goal of cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar as these serve as reservoirs for bacteria. We have the tools necessary for thorough tartar removal.
To further control the replication and growth of bacteria, we can use antibiotics. Topical forms include rinses, mouthwash, and gel. These are effective in mild cases, but less so in severe cases. In severe cases, we might have to use oral antibiotics in the form of tablets or pills.
People who come to us with severe periodontitis will likely need surgery. Damaged gums and bones need to be replaced. Soft tissue grafts from the palate can be used to replace missing gums while bone grafts are used to replace missing or damaged areas in the jaw bone.
By fixing the bones and gums, we provide a strong structure for the teeth to hold onto.